Man U is the only English team to take any points from Liverpool this season. The Reds have captured a record 61 out of a possible 63 total points. United 1-1 draw at Old Trafford is the only result keeping Liverpool from being perfect.

Can Ole Gunnar Solskjær devise a tactical strategy to shut Liverpool down again?

Liverpool vs Manchester United Preview

When these clubs last met coming out of the October international break, OGS implemented an effective plan to limit the offense generated by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. If not for a late Adam Lallana goal, Liverpool would’ve suffered their first loss of the season.

Other clubs have since tried this approach against Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has adjusted by having his attacking three of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah get narrow in the attacking third. This has opened up more space for TAA and Robbo to service balls into the penalty area.

Additionally, Salah missed that first match. His gravitational pull further draws in defenders and helps open up pockets for Mane to operate. Expect Liverpool’s attack to look much more fluid and threatening this time around. That will be aided by Klopp’s ability to insert a more attack-minded midfielder (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Takumi Minamino) into the starting XI.

Some key United starters from that first match are likely a scratch for this one. Scott McTominay and Marcos Rojo are definitely out. Most concerning, Marcus Rashford picked up a knock on his back in Man U’s FA Cup replay on Wednesday and may not be available. Oddsmakers have moved United from +650 to +750 since the injury occurred.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are finally getting healthy. Joel Matip may return this weekend. Fabinho and Dejan Lovren –while a little further behind Matip — are also in the running for selection on Sunday.

Ultimately though, unless Man U are teleporting in-their-prime versions of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and David de Gea, none of the above matters. Liverpool are home. They’re more talented. They’re definitely more consistent and confident. United aren’t as bad as the media would have you believe (5th in table, 4th in xPTS), but they’re not good enough to challenge Liverpool at Anfield.

Prediction

With or without Rashford, United just don’t have the firepower to take points from Liverpool again. Expect a confided 3-0 win from the Reds.